Owning American Muscle
Discussion
Anyone out there run an old (ie 70s/80s) American Muscle car? How is it? Obviously they look and sound great but I want to hear the bad and the good before I buy.
I'm desperate to buy one, but not so desperate that I'd be happy to end up on the hard shoulder half the time and the other half and taking expensive trips to the garage.
Also, what's it like getting parts for these things, and how quickly do things like clutches and 'boxes go?
It would be a weekend car really, so petrol costs not really an issue.
Frankly, the V8 noise will no doubt make up for a lot of sins...
I'm desperate to buy one, but not so desperate that I'd be happy to end up on the hard shoulder half the time and the other half and taking expensive trips to the garage.
Also, what's it like getting parts for these things, and how quickly do things like clutches and 'boxes go?
It would be a weekend car really, so petrol costs not really an issue.
Frankly, the V8 noise will no doubt make up for a lot of sins...
American car section here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forumGroup.asp?...
Will probably get a better response in there.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forumGroup.asp?...
Will probably get a better response in there.
For some reason I can't post in the other forum.
I'm torn between a "fastback" Mustang (aka that one wot were in Bullitt)or a 70s Stingray (chrome bumper of course).
To be perfectly honest I like pretty much all of the 70s era muscle cars and would happily own any of them. They can't corner, they're slow, they drink too much fuel, they're not safe if you crash, parts are probably a nightmare. But ... there is something majestic about them.
My dream car would be one of the original Stingrays but they're out of my price range. Saw a red on at the weekend. So beautiful.
I'm torn between a "fastback" Mustang (aka that one wot were in Bullitt)or a 70s Stingray (chrome bumper of course).
To be perfectly honest I like pretty much all of the 70s era muscle cars and would happily own any of them. They can't corner, they're slow, they drink too much fuel, they're not safe if you crash, parts are probably a nightmare. But ... there is something majestic about them.
My dream car would be one of the original Stingrays but they're out of my price range. Saw a red on at the weekend. So beautiful.
balls-out said:
American Speed Fest at brands this weekend and Beaulieu American car the Sunday after (15th).
Can't speak for 70s/80s (but I suggest you watch the rust), but my 4 90s US V8s have been the most reliable cars I've owed.
What budget are you talking?
I think £15k seems like a reasonably budget to get one that's not a complete disaster? Maybe £20k is more realistic though ...Can't speak for 70s/80s (but I suggest you watch the rust), but my 4 90s US V8s have been the most reliable cars I've owed.
What budget are you talking?
OutOfSync said:
I think £15k seems like a reasonably budget to get one that's not a complete disaster? Maybe £20k is more realistic though ...
£20k is probably more realistic for a decent 60's Mustang Fastback - perfect examples go for a lot more. I had a 67 Coupe which I miss. In terms of maintenance, they are pretty simple so any competent garage should be able to service it. I found parts easy enough to get hold of in the UK or you can order direct from the USA for rarer items - you can get just about anything from people like NPD.Rust is obviously something to watch, so buy on condition rather than mileage (as always for classics). Originality is important to some so may help resale value but will be a bigger initial cost.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C482050
How about a bit of Mopar muscle that's on budget.
7.2 Litres, nice.
vixen1700 said:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C482050
How about a bit of Mopar muscle that's on budget.
7.2 Litres, nice.
"There's no replacement for displacement"
Can't speak for the classic stuff but I get a semi-respectable 25mpg average, and parts are cheaper & faster to get than some of the European cars I've owned. Insurance is also very reasonable with a specialist. Handling is... Not bad actually, it is a 27 year old car after all.
As for speed, I've only got a measly 225hp which is swift but not fast, but the late 60s/early 70s stuff is 350+ which is not slow!
As has been said before, definitely worth getting yourself to some meets/shows. Once you've heard a big v8 without all the modern gubbins strangling the exhaust you'll be in love
As for speed, I've only got a measly 225hp which is swift but not fast, but the late 60s/early 70s stuff is 350+ which is not slow!
As has been said before, definitely worth getting yourself to some meets/shows. Once you've heard a big v8 without all the modern gubbins strangling the exhaust you'll be in love
I run a '68 AMC V8. I am pretty handy with spanners and with old fashioned electrics - I've helped a local guy with the electrics on his 71 plymouth recently when it wouldn't start (twice). That was caused by poor connections in the elderly electrics.
My AMC has never let me down (except running out of fuel which was my fault not the car's), but I don't do a huge mileage as I have a "daily" heap of junk Audi.
If you have one of these things and you don't know much about old cars, they can difficult and expensive (my pal couldn't get anyone to look at his plymouth except for the AA guy who was totally baffled as his laptop couldn't help). If you buy popular - like the two you're considering, almost everything is available from the US. Rockauto are very good too. If you have something rare and unloved/unwanted like mine, it gets a bit more tricky.
The good news is they are generally robust and reliable and easy to work on - even a rewire isn't the mammoth task it would be on a modern car. Unlike modern cars they were built to be worked on, but the downside is they do require more frequent attention.
My AMC has never let me down (except running out of fuel which was my fault not the car's), but I don't do a huge mileage as I have a "daily" heap of junk Audi.
If you have one of these things and you don't know much about old cars, they can difficult and expensive (my pal couldn't get anyone to look at his plymouth except for the AA guy who was totally baffled as his laptop couldn't help). If you buy popular - like the two you're considering, almost everything is available from the US. Rockauto are very good too. If you have something rare and unloved/unwanted like mine, it gets a bit more tricky.
The good news is they are generally robust and reliable and easy to work on - even a rewire isn't the mammoth task it would be on a modern car. Unlike modern cars they were built to be worked on, but the downside is they do require more frequent attention.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
Out of range but achingly cool.
Alternatively, something a bit more "out there" (and not really muscle)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
Out of range but achingly cool.
Alternatively, something a bit more "out there" (and not really muscle)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
There was another thread a little while ago : http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
look around ebay, the classic sales sites and hotrod sites too.
look around ebay, the classic sales sites and hotrod sites too.
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